Front Page News

AHS graduate named to NU Hall of Fame class

Fran (ten Bensel) Benne was recently surprised when she listened to a message that informed her she and 21 other University of Nebraska athletes were named to the first University of Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame class. Fran was named to the class representing the University of Nebraska cross country team.

The announcement came last Tuesday, March 17 stating the purpose of the Hall of Fame is to honor Husker athletic programs and student-athletes. The inaugural class of 22 combined for eight national player-of-the-year awards, 127 All-America certificates, 32 individual NCAA titles and 11 team national championships. The 22 member class will be enshrined at a private ceremony on Friday, September 4th before being recognized in Memorial Stadium during Nebraska’s season-opening football game against BYU the next day.

An Arapahoe native, Fran graduated in 1988 and still holds records at Arapahoe High School in the 400, 800 and 1600 meter runs and a member of the 1600 meter and 3200 meter relay teams. In speaking with Fran, she said she excelled and enjoyed running in high school, but she really didn’t become a runner until after her freshman year at the University of Nebraska. “I fell in love with the sport during college,” said Fran.

At UNL, Fran is the only Husker to win a conference or district cross country title and is also Nebraska’s only three-time All American in cross country. In 1991 the team traveled to the Big Eight Cross Country Championships at Rim Rock Farm in Kansas. In the aftermath of a blizzard, and snow on the ground, running in -10 degree wind chills, Nebraska won the team title and Fran won the individual women’s title. In 1992 Fran placed second in the Big Eight and the team placed third and in 1990 she placed eighth and the team earned first place. Fran gives much credit to Jay Dirksen, her UNL cross country coach. She said he was dedicated and knew how to coach to her, “his philosophy worked for me, he changed my life,” she said.

“I loved wearing the Nebraska uniform and being a Husker,” said Fran. Cross country road trips proved to have special memories, as they drove to meets in mini-vans, her teammates and her coach were like family. “There was nothing better than those beautiful autumn road trips back to Lincoln after a meet with tired legs, a Husker football game on the radio and a cross country win under your belt,” said Fran.

In 1992, Fran won the District V meet and Nebraska won the team title. She went on to finish ninth at the 1992 NCAA Championships, the second-highest finish in school history.

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Funding available for Holbrook owner-occupied housing

West Central Nebraska Development District is still taking applications for Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation projects in Holbrook. Funding for this program is made possible through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

Home must be Owner-Occupied. $25,000 maximum rehabilitation per eligible home. Must be within the municipal limits of Holbrook.

This program is targeted to low-income and low-moderate income homeowners. Homeowners must meet income guideline.

Applications accepted on a first-come-first-served basis.

Five homes in Holbrook are projected to be rehabilitated.

Applications are still being accepted. Application and Guideline packets may be picked up at: The Village of Holbrook Office 418 Center Street Holbrook, NE 68948